Koh Samui Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Nightlife Tips & Hidden Day Trips (Plus What to Avoid!)

Koh Samui travel is something I’ll never forget. During my one-week trip—including four unforgettable days on Samui and one more after returning from Koh Phangan—I discovered so much about the island’s beaches, nightlife, day trips, and little annoyances. From lounging near Chaewang Beach to chasing pink dolphins, here’s everything you should know. Let’s dive into my personal take on the best beaches to visit in Koh Samui, things to do near Chaweng Beach at night, day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins, why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui, and everything in between. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning your return, this is the most honest, firsthand Koh Samui travel guide you’ll read.

Introduction

When planning Koh Samui travel, I expected tourist crowds—and yes, it’s one of Thailand’s most popular islands. Still, I had a blast. I stayed near Chaewang Beach to be close to the nightlife, hopped over to Koh Phangan for a night, and even took a solo day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins while my girlfriend worked. I saw something magical—a “white” dolphin whose blood made it look pink—and it made the trip unforgettable.

In this guide, I’ll share what I loved (and what I hated). You’ll find chapters structured around best beaches to visit in Koh Samui, things to do near Chaweng Beach at night, day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins, why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui, and practical tips for transport, scooters, the notorious waterfall trek, and the vibrant nightlife. Let’s go.

Best beaches to visit in Koh Samui

Exploring the best beaches to visit in Koh Samui was a major highlight of my trip. I stayed near Chaewang Beach for nightlife, but I quickly learned that the island has far more beach variety:

1. Lamai Beach – If you’re hunting for a nicer, cleaner beach, Lamai is a top pick. It’s quieter than Chaweng, has nicer sand, peaceful glimpses of local life, and great spots to chill with a book or swim.
2. Crystal Beach – This one’s a gem. Smaller and cozier than the touristy stretches, Crystal Beach felt like a slice of paradise that tourists haven’t overcrowded yet. Lovely clear water and smooth sand.
3. Beaches near Fisherman Village – Around Bophut, the beaches are charming and far more intimate. Plus, you’re close to Fisherman Village’s cafés and dining scene, which makes a beach day feel complete.

I also found other quiet coves if you rent a scooter and explore the coastline. For me, best beaches to visit in Koh Samui truly means Lamai, Crystal, and those hidden stretches near Fisherman Village—and don’t limit yourself to Chaweng just because you’re near nightlife.

Things to do near Chaweng Beach at night

Because I stayed near Chaewang—or as many spell it, Chaweng—I made the most of the local nightlife. If you’re curious about things to do near Chaweng Beach at night, here are my top picks:

• Fisherman Beach bar scene: Head over to Fisherman Village for cocktails (Try the “Coco Tams”) and catch an impressive fire show at 9 p.m. It’s a classy, lively alternative to Chaweng’s more chaotic energy.
• Night markets and street food: Stroll around the local markets for grilled skewers, smoothies, and fried seafood. It’s a feast for both your taste buds and your wallet.
• Chill lounges: There are plenty of beachfront lounges where you can have a quiet drink with waves as your soundtrack. A great way to wind down after the dancing and crowds.

That said, Chaweng can be overwhelmingly busy—crowded bars, loud music, high prices. For a slightly more relaxed yet vibrant after-dark vibe, Fisherman Village wins hands down. So when you’re wondering things to do near Chaweng Beach at night, don’t skip trips over to the calmer—yet exciting—scene at Bophut.

Day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins

One of the most memorable parts of my trip was the day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins. I went alone one afternoon while my girlfriend worked—and it ended up being a highlight.

Here’s how it went:

• Departure: I booked a boat that took me to the famed Pig Island. Along the way, our guide explained the area and wildlife.
• Pig Island stop: Cute little pigs welcome you on sandy shores—you can feed and interact with them. Super quirky and fun.
• Pink dolphin encounter: Dolphins are naturally light-skinned, but during this trip, I spotted one that appeared pink-ish—because you could see its blood vessels through the skin. It was rare, magical, and totally worth being solo for the experience.
• Return: After swimming with dolphins and sunbathing near Pig Island, the boat took me back to Samui, feeling exhilarated and content.

So if you’re looking for a day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins, absolutely go for it. It’s quirky, beautiful, and one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make your trip truly memorable. Seriously—seeing a “pink dolphin” up close might be the coolest and most unexpected thing I’ve ever witnessed in Thailand.

Ladyboy Show in Koh Samui – A Fun and Unique Night Out

One of the more surprising highlights of my Koh Samui travel experience was attending a ladyboy show—and honestly, it was way more entertaining than I expected. These cabaret-style performances are a huge part of Thailand’s nightlife scene, and Koh Samui has some of the best on the islands. The shows are full of energy, glitter, and perfectly choreographed routines, with performers dressed in dazzling outfits and lip-syncing to pop classics, Thai hits, and even Beyoncé.

The most popular shows are located near Chaweng Beach, so it’s easy to catch one after dinner or drinks. The performers are incredibly talented—not just in how they dance and act, but in the confidence and charisma they bring to the stage. Some of them honestly look more glamorous than real celebrities.

What I liked most was the fun, light-hearted atmosphere. It’s not just about the show—it’s an experience. You laugh, you cheer, and you walk away with a story to tell. Tickets are usually inexpensive (or even free with a drink at some bars), and you don’t need to book far in advance. Just stroll through Chaweng in the evening and you’ll see the signs and lights pulling you in.

So if you’re looking to add something bold, unforgettable, and totally unique to your Koh Samui travel itinerary, don’t skip the ladyboy show. It’s not just a performance—it’s a celebration of expression, talent, and Thailand’s vibrant culture.

Why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui

Now for the downside of my otherwise smooth trip. I’m all for giving honest feedback, especially when a place is hyped for no reason, so here’s why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui—it was by far the most disappointing and frustrating dining experience we had on the island.

1. Terrible service – We arrived around 6 p.m., but when we booked, the staff wrote down “we come from 5:45 till 6 p.m.” They genuinely seemed to think we were only at their restaurant for 15 minutes. Who operates that way?
2. Overpriced and overrated – Way too expensive for average food and service.
3. Fake reviews – They hand out a free drink if you leave a review. It’s shady marketing—so don’t trust the good reviews. People will say anything for a free beverage.

Summing up: why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui is pretty straightforward—rude and unhelpful staff, a confusing and poorly handled booking process, overpriced food that doesn’t match the hype, and online reviews that are clearly incentivized. Honestly, it’s just not worth wasting your time, money, or one of your precious vacation meals on a place like this.

Bonus Tips for Your Koh Samui Travel

Scooter rental is a must

Rent a scooter and drive around the island. Easy, cheap, and you get off-the-beaten-path views, quiet beaches, lookout points—and yes, waterfall hikes or visits to Big Buddha.

Waterfalls and Big Buddha

If you have time, do the waterfalls or the Big Buddha. The jungle trails to waterfalls are lush and refreshing—just be prepared for some hiking and a few tourists. The Big Buddha is iconic, peaceful, and offers a beautiful view—great for early mornings or late afternoons.

Grab and Bolt rides

On Samui, Grab and Bolt work fine. I took cheap rides all over the island this way. Much cheaper and less hassle than taxis or tuk-tuks from the street.

Koh Phangan quick trip

Interested in the famous Full Moon Party? You can pop over from Samui via ferry or even a taxi boat—no need to stay on Koh Phangan unless you’re spending more time there. I did exactly that—flew back to Samui for the night and it worked perfectly.

Expect tourists and cannabis

Samui is busy and noisy. It’s good for you if you are ok with a lot of tourists and a noisy island. If you’d prefer less bustle, consider else go to Koh Phangan or better Koh Tao—they’re quieter, more chilled, and still beautiful.

Also, a word of caution: everywhere in Samui people are smoking cannabis—even in 4‑star hotels. I found the smell annoying at times, so if that bothers you, bring earplugs and be prepared—or again, plan calmer islands instead.

Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

So that’s my full scoop on Koh Samui travel—in my voice, from my experience, with all five keywords woven in:

• Best beaches to visit in Koh Samui: Head to Lamai, Crystal, and the Fisherman Village areas for nicer sand and calmer vibes.
• Things to do near Chaweng Beach at night: Skip the chaos of Chaweng and opt for cocktails and fire shows in Fisherman Village with Coco Tams.
• Day trip from Koh Samui to Pig Island and pink dolphins: Absolutely magical, fun, and unforgettable—especially solo.
• Why you should avoid Cocoon restaurant in Koh Samui: Lackluster service, strange booking, overpriced, and review manipulation—just pass.
• And throughout your Koh Samui travel, rent a scooter, see waterfalls, use Grab/Bolt, and consider side-tripping to Koh Phangan for nightlife without staying.

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